The X Factor fever sweeps North West
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Eoghan Quigg
IT'S not every schoolboy who can boast that two of the most glamorous women in the music industry have called them "cute" and "adorable" but Dungiven's Eoghan Quigg has millions of witnesses!
The St. Patrick's College schoolboy captivated viewers at the weekend when he sang his way into the next round of the X Factor on ITV, the UK's biggest talent competition.
Eoghan told the Northern Constitution: "I have been singing for as long as I can remember and I wanted to prove to myself that I have what it takes to go all the way."
Eoghan is heavily involved in various clubs in the Dungiven community and is a cousin of star boxer Paul (Dudey) McCloskey's. He told us: "I play soccer for Dungiven Celtic FC, I also play for Kevin Lynch's hurling club and I box at the local club, St. Canice's ABC."
His proud father Chris said: "My son is a keen sportsman and can turn his hand to anything."
Between 9.4 and 10.2million viewers tuned into Saturday night's (August 23) programme and witnessed 16-year-old Eoghan firmly place his hometown of Dungiven on the star-studded music industry map.
His classmates at St. Patrick's even made it on screen, welcoming him home with the news that he is through to boot camp!
His school Principal Anne Sands said the entire school had caught the X Factor fever and that everyone was glued to their screens to see him in action.
The pre-recorded filming at the school had to be kept top secret until the show was aired.
Mrs Sands said: "We couldn't wait to have it aired, we're all so excited for him.
"Eoghan is a very good pupil and is talented in so many ways. He has been very actively involved in our school musicals and last year as 'Joseph' he was absolutely outstanding. We had people comment that he was as good as anything you'd see in the West End.
"He's also won medals for boxing and hurling but singing really is everything to him.
“Eoghan turned 16 on the 12th of July and he is going into his GCSE year now and we would expect him to do well in his GCSEs, I just hope that the X Factor won't detract too much from his studies, but I'm sure they'll provide tutors if needed.
“We're all delighted for him and the kids are thrilled. Eoghan's a very down-to-earth and modest boy though and I'm sure his parents will help keep his feet firmly on the ground."
And it looks as though they will need to, the 16-year-old has now won himself a huge army of admirers and a fan club has been set up in his support.
Internet websites have been flooded with messages of support for the youngster following his appearance on The X Factor on Saturday night, with many commenting that he'll be the next George Sands, winner of 'Britain's Got Talent'.
The Station Road Eurospar in Dungiven, where Eoghan has been working over the summer months, has also been flooded with phone calls and visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the teen.
Viewers watched Eoghan calmly chat with host Dermot O'Leary before entering the audition room to face judges Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Simon Cowell. Flashing a charming smile, the St Patrick's College student told the panel: "I want to be on stage with the lights shining down on me".
After singing 'Home' by Michael Buble and 'Tears in Heaven' by Eric Clapton, the judges were left stunned by the youngest magical talent.
Clearly smitten, Minogue told the youngster that he was "adorable" while Girls Aloud singer Cole said she thought he was "so cute". Westlife manager Walsh told Eoghan that he had "star quality" before music mogul Cowell that he thought he was "terrific".
Simon said: "You've just got it.
“Whatever 'it' is, you've got it.
"Good voice, good looks. Chicks are gonna love you. Mums are gonna love you."
Viewers then watched Eoghan run into the arms of mum and dad Denise and Chris, who were waiting for him outside the doors.
While the pre-recorded show was being aired on Saturday night, Eoghan and his family and friends were gathered in their Priory Road family home to watch it, something families all around the County will be doing over the coming weeks to see the County's fastest rising star!
